What is Breast Thermal Imaging

Breast thermal imaging, or Thermography uses state of the art technology which scans the breasts using a thermal imaging camera to produce an image or Thermal Scan. This is based on findings that breast tumours have abnormal blood vessel patterns that give off more heat than the surrounding tissue.

This blood vessel growth that accompanies tumour formation is termed neovascularization. This is the earliest sign of a rapidly growing tumour and can be detected by infrared technology.

A Thermal Scan records the heat that is given off by the breast and allows for immediate display onto a computer monitor. The images obtained provide an indirect measurement of the metabolic rate of breast tissue.  In other words, cancer is identified on a     Thermal Scan as focal “hot spots” of increased metabolism and abnormal blood vessel patterns.

Is Breast Thermal Imaging Safe?
Breast Thermal imaging is as safe as getting your  picture taken. There is no radiation exposure or anything invasive about the test, in fact there is no contact at all with the body.

I have no family history and am not at high risk for breast cancer. Why should I have a Thermal Scan?
Although family history is considered a risk factor, 90% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history. A positive Thermal Scan is considered the highest risk marker for the future development of cancer. It is 9 times more significant than a family history.  A Thermal Scan can show if a woman may actually be at high risk despite the lack of a family history of cancer.

I have a suspicious mammogram or felt a lump in my breast.  Should I have a Thermal Scan?
Absolutely. The information provided from the Thermal scan can clarify the other findings, ultimately helping your doctor make better decisions as to the best way to manage the situation.

I have cancer and am scheduled for surgery. What benefit is there to a Thermal Scan this late in the game?
Thermal Scans performed before and after a surgery or other treatment can help evaluate the success of the procedure by monitoring the metabolic and vascular changes of the cancer site. Additionally, once a woman develops breast cancer she is at a higher risk of developing it again. Thermal Scans  can help in early detection of reoccurrence.  

Facts about Breast Thermal Imaging

·     In 1982, the FDA approved breast Thermal Imaging (infrared imaging) as an adjunctive diagnostic breast cancer screening procedure.

·    Breast Thermal Imaging has undergone extensive research since the late 1950’s with more than 1000 peer-reviewed studies on breast Thermal Imaging published in the medical literature.

·    Breast Thermal Imaging has the ability to detect the first signs that a cancer may be forming, up to 10 years before any other procedure can detect it. Caught this early, these abnormal changes can often be reversed through simple non-invasive therapies.

·    An abnormal infrared image is the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer.

·     Thermal Imaging is 86% to 96% accurate for indicating cancer in pre-menopausal women.

·   Extensive clinical trials have shown that breast thermal imaging significantly augments the long- term survival rates by 61%.

·    Thermal Imaging involves no radiation or pain and is totally non-invasive, requiring no contact with the body.

·    Thermal Imaging is effective and safe for breasts of all sizes as well as women with breast implants, fibrocystic breasts, young women with dense breast tissue, and pregnant or nursing women.

·    Thermal Imaging is also indicated for post breast surgery screening.

If you would like to have an Infrared Thermal Imaging Scan, we can refer you to clinics in Bedford or Harley Street, London, two of the very few clinics offering this service in the UK.  To request a referral, click here for more details.